ECP reform case: Qadri says game is not over

The controversial cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri Tuesday said that the apex court did not give its verdict on his petition so far while the court has right to ask any question regarding his dual nationality.Speaking to media persons outside Supreme Court after hearing of his petition for reconstitution of ECP, the cleric said that the court has accepted his petition and sent notices to federation and other parties in this regard.Qadri said there was no obstacle in the constitution of Pakistan which restricts any Pakistani to adopt foreign citizenship.He said any Pakistani who possesses dual nationality can knock the door of Supreme Court.“No article of constitution restricts any dual national Pakistani to file petition in the apex court,” Qadri said adding that “this is a unique case in which a dual national Pakistani wants reforms in Election Commission for betterment of the country”.To a query regarding his dual loyalty, Qadri said “if constitution of Pakistan does not take notice of division of loyalty of dual national than nobody should raise question about this”.Qadri said he would accept decision of the Supreme Court.Earlier, the Supreme Court during second day hearing of Qadri petition maintained that dual nationals cannot be allowed to interfere in internal politics.During the hearing, Qadri told the bench that he has used a Pakistani passport for visiting Pakistan and Canadian for going to Canada.Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry remarked that Qadri is known as the “Sheikhul Islam” but has sworn his allegiance to Queen Elizabeth.“The doors of the parliament are closed for you but your interference in domestic politics is questionable,” he added.When the chief justice questioned the basis on which Qadri filed his petition, the MQI chief said that he was a Pakistani citizen and can renounce his citizenship any time.Justice Gulzar also pointed out that a person who has taken oath for loyalty to another country would not be permitted to influence Pakistan’s politics and to file a petition for reconstitution of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).The court said that the petition was filed under a quo-warranto and does not fall under Article 184 of the Constitution, and Qadri should thus approach a high court before coming to the Supreme Court.Qadri submitted papers and a copy of his passport in the court to justify his right to file petition for ECP’s reconstitution.The court adjourned the hearing till Wednesday.